It's Official: Netflix Coming to Windows Media Center

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After years of unofficial support, Netflix is finally coming to Windows Media Center.

When the DVD-distributing giant first announced streaming video, clever programmers were quick to create add-ins that allowed users of Media Center to view the content on their systems--apps like MyNetflix and vmcNetFlix.

But the apps were quirky, breaking whenever Netflix tweaked its interface, and requiring too much technical know-how for the average person. With this official release, Netflix brings a seamless interface, ease of use, and a consistent experience to Windows Media Center.

The new app, which uses Microsoft's Silverlight streaming video technology, should automatically show up in the menus of the millions of consumers with Windows Media Center on their PCs. Haven't installed Silverlight yet? No problem, the app will automatically guide you through the install process before taking you to the log in screen, where you can manage your DVD queue, search for videos, and select videos to stream on demand. Tragically, Media Center Extender users are left in the cold for the time being, as are users of pre-release versions of Windows 7--though we assume Microsoft will eventually port the app to the forthcoming operating system.

The Netflix app (which rounds out Microsoft's Windows Mobile and Xbox app collection) is the latest in a string of content deals for Microsoft's Windows Media Center team (nice work, Ben!), including the March launch of a Sports Channel with content from CBS, Fox, and MSNBC and the earlier release of a news application with clips from MSNBC. "We're continuing to work with the top content providers today to make watching TV on the PC a mainstream experience for the future," said Craig Eisler, corporate vice president of entertainment client software for the TV, video and music business group at Microsoft.

Jeremy Kaplan is a former executive editor for PC Magazine and co-host of the Fastest Geek competition. He also served as Editor of GoodCleanTech.com.
Kaplan helped to determine overall editorial direction, managed staff, and shaped the editorial calendar. Prior to this, Kaplan succumbed to his inner geek, launching the spin-off publication ExtremeTech Magazine. During this time, he helped popularize the Fastest Geek competition, where contestants compete to assemble a computer from parts as quickly as possible. Kaplan graduated from Vassar College in 1996, majoring in both...
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